Dietary intake and compliance with UEFA nutrition guidelines in soccer players
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Soccer is a high-intensity sport characterized by a combination of explosive efforts and prolonged aerobic activity. Nutrition is a key factor in optimizing performance. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional intake of professional soccer players and the degree of compliance with nutritional recommendations of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and organizations such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 26 players aged 16 to 34 who were in training. Dietary analysis was performed using EasyDiet® software, and data were processed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics). The normality of the variables was assessed, and means, standard deviations, and ranges were determined; a frequency analysis was conducted to establish the proportion of compliance with certain macronutrients. The results showed that the players evaluated had an energy intake below the recommended level, accompanied by an insufficient intake of carbohydrates; protein intake was generally adequate or above established recommendations, while fat intake remained within acceptable ranges, even exceeding the recommended value. An imbalance in micronutrients was observed, with low intakes of vitamin A and D, and high consumption of calcium, iron, sodium, and other micronutrients.
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